How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
Which tools and techniques do you guys use to smooth surfaces after removing supports?
And I'm not talking about acetone gas, but more like sanding out the irregularities.
Many thanks!
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
I use the appropriate needle file for the shape/surface (flat for flat, round for curved, etc) after I've chipped as much of the interface material off - if you are careful and use the 0.2mm (removable) setting on the support tab. This is usually very quick work. Then it's on to smoothing the surface (layer lines) - file, then 150, 250, 600, 800, steel wool, clearcoat.
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
Which tools and techniques do you guys use to smooth surfaces after removing supports?
And I'm not talking about acetone gas, but more like sanding out the irregularities.
Many thanks!
Sharp chisels.
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
A pair of needle nosed pliers make removing support material much easier.
Then a set of needle files.
And fine-grit wet and dry sanding paper - print small sanding blocks to use it on; I'm using some of these: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2404850
Cheerio,
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
Those sanding sticks look great. I will print them.
Which grit the sanding paper?
When sanding, the look of the plastic will become ugly, no?
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
@dan-rogers
Clearcoat means that you varnish them?
Do you dip the print or use a brush?
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
I prefer edge tools. Usually a pocket knife since that's always available. But also chisels and even a hand plane.
Some things needs sanding though. Tends to be more work but gives a better end result. Just as @dan-rogers I start somewhere at 100-200 and go up until I'm happy with the result. So far I haven't had the need for a shiny surface so 240 tends to be enough for me.
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
Smoothing options will vary depending on your material.
For larger areas that you want to smooth out and remove layer lines etc before painting or sealing then a set of cabinet scrapers works better than sandpaper. Especially for PLA. Sandpaper tends to heat pla up too much from the friction and its very easy to get balling up pf the pla if you don't pause to let it cool frequently. With the scrapers you dont get the friction heat as it works more like the action of a plane.
They come in all sorts of shapes too. I use them a lot when doing helmets and armour.
Not pushing this website as it was the result of a google search but these are the type I mean https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/collections/cabinet-scrapers-burnishers
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
Those sanding sticks look great. I will print them.
You can change the parameters to make blocks that match your usual requirements.
Which grit the sanding paper?
When sanding, the look of the plastic will become ugly, no?
The grade depends on the plastic and the intended use, get a selection. For extensive sanding use wet and dry paper wet; this reduces the likelihood of friction melting.
Cheerio,
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
@sprocket314
I use spray acrylic clear (Rustoleum) - many thin coats. This approach fills in the valleys. You can sand between coats. If you are going for window-glass clear prints, the final "wow" comes from clear acrylic and a final sand and polish. It isn't a magic layer line eraser - this is for the glossy finish layer and the print needs to be pretty smooth to start with. Fast water-seal - a quick coat of acrylic will seal the little gaps between your prints - Note - not for food or situations where part will end up in someone's mouth (toys for small kids - no acrylic)
I also use two part epoxy - mix a small cup, paint it on, and cure on a rotating rack. This is far thicker coating than multiple acrylic spray coats, and can be used without sanding etc .. but it's crystal clear so you can still see the lines are in there. If you are going to paint over the final part anyhow, this is a fast way to a smooth shiny coat. Messier. Wear a mask. Bubbles - you'll not like those. Cleanup is harder.
RE: How to best sand prints (e.g. when removing supports)?
@dan-rogers
Thank you so much for the level of detail.
I just received a set of modelling knives and I have a set of needle files. I will probably print the sanding sticks and get different sanding papers.
I think the cabinet scrapers are a bit overkill for the types of prints I'm doing so far. Maybe something to consider for the future.